Château de la Dauphine
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Profile of Château de La Dauphine, a 66-hectare winegrowing estate in Fronsac committed to organic and biodynamic viticulture. It produces red, rosé, and white wines, with a history dating back to 1750.
Identity
Château de La Dauphine is a winegrowing estate located in Fronsac, in Gironde. It is managed by Stéphanie Barousse. Oenologist Julien Schaus joined the estate in 2016.
History and philosophy
Château de La Dauphine was founded in 1750. The estate implements organic and biodynamic viticultural practices. A historic tie links the château to the Royal Court of France, notably through the visit of Marie-Josèphe de Saxe, Dauphine de France and mother of Louis XVI.
Appellations
The vineyard is located in the heart of the Fronsadais area, and the wines produced carry this appellation.
Practical information
Château de La Dauphine is located at 5 Rue Poitevine, 33126 Fronsac. The estate can be reached by telephone on +33 (0)5 57 74 06 61. Visitors are welcome from Monday to Sunday, between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm and between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm, by appointment.
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Frequently asked questions
- What are the viticultural practices at Château de La Dauphine?
- Château de La Dauphine applies organic and biodynamic viticultural practices, and the estate is certified organic (Agriculture Biologique - AB). These methods include grazing sheep for soil maintenance, eschewing pesticides, and keeping beehives that foster vineyard biodiversity. The aim is to respect both the environment and the terroir.
- What is the history of Château de La Dauphine?
- Château de La Dauphine was founded in 1750. It shares a historic bond with the French Royal Court, notably through the visit of Marie-Josèphe de Saxe, Dauphine de France and mother of Louis XVI. The estate is managed by Stéphanie Barousse, with oenologist Julien Schaus joining the team in 2016 to perpetuate its heritage.
- What is the composition of the Château de La Dauphine vineyard?
- The Château de La Dauphine vineyard covers 66 hectares, primarily situated on limestone plateaux in the Fronsac region. The grape variety plantings are predominantly Merlot (70%), complemented by 30% Cabernet Franc. A 300-year-old Oriental sweetgum tree also stands on the estate, highlighting its natural richness.
- How is winemaking carried out at Château de La Dauphine?
- Vinification at Château de La Dauphine begins with a double sorting of the grapes, both mechanical and manual. Plot-by-plot vinification is then conducted in a circular, gravity-fed vat room. The cellar is semi-underground, insulated, and temperature-controlled, housing stainless steel and concrete vats. The wines are aged for one year in 225-litre barrels, 20-hectolitre foudres, and amphorae to refine their aromatic expression.
The vineyard (terroir)
The vineyard spans 66 hectares, predominantly situated on limestone plateaux. A 300-year-old Oriental sweetgum tree stands on the property. Farming practices include grazing sheep for soil maintenance and avoiding pesticides entirely. Bees contribute to the vineyard's biodiversity. The estate holds certified organic (AB) status.
Signature cuvées
The estate produces several cuvées, including Château de La Dauphine, Rosé de La Dauphine, and Blanc de La Dauphine. The Château de La Dauphine cuvée, 2025 vintage, is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, with an alcohol content of 14% ABV.
Vinification and ageing
The grapes undergo a double sorting process, both mechanical and manual. Vinification is carried out plot by plot using a circular, gravity-fed vat room. The cellar is semi-underground, insulated, and temperature-controlled, housing stainless steel and concrete vats. Ageing lasts for one year in 225-litre oak barrels, 20-hectolitre foudres, and amphorae.
- Appellation
- Fronsac
- Commune
- Fronsac
- Wine region
- Libournais
- Technical direction
- Julien Schaus
- Surface area
- 66 ha
- Certifications
- Bio, Biodynamie
- Grape varieties
- Merlot 70%, Cabernet Franc 30%
Practical information
- Address
- 5 Rue Poitevine, 33126 Fronsac
- Phone
- +33 (0)5 57 74 06 61
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Opening hours
- du lundi au dimanche de 9h à 13h et de 14h à 17h, sur rendez-vous